Uganda's Strategic Military Deployment Amidst South Sudan's Rising Tensions

Uganda has deployed special forces to South Sudan's capital, Juba, amid escalating tensions between South Sudanese President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar. This move follows government arrests and fears of revived civil unrest threatening the 2018 peace deal.

Ugandan special forces have been deployed to Juba, the capital of South Sudan, in a move aimed at securing the city, according to Uganda's military chief. This action comes amidst rising tensions between South Sudan's President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar, raising concerns about a potential return to civil war.

The deployment follows the recent detention of two ministers and several military officials allied with Machar, actions considered by many as a threat to the fragile 2018 peace agreement. Although one minister has been released, the situation remains tense, with implications for peace in the region.

Uganda's decision reflects a strategic interest in maintaining stability in its northern neighbor to prevent a refugee crisis and regional instability. The Ugandan military, invited by the South Sudanese government, has not disclosed troop numbers, and their continued presence will depend on how the situation unfolds in the coming days.

(With inputs from agencies.)